Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist

Title: Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist

State Role Title: Scientist I

Hiring Range: Starting at $55,000 annually (salary to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Region IV Office Verona

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position supports the agency mission by delivering off-site technical assistance (e.g., by phone or electronically) to Virginia citizens statewide regarding wildlife disease/injury response and management, human-wildlife conflict management, and assistance with other Wildlife Division program and services. Work will focus on assessment of disease/injury and conflict situations and means by which to eliminate or mitigate potential public safety and wildlife population risk factors while conserving wildlife populations within the Commonwealth. The incumbent will provide educational information and technical guidance to private citizens about human-wildlife conflicts and how to mitigate the conflicts, extending the more urgent types of wildlife conflict response services provided by the USDA wildlife helpline during non-­ business hours. This position will coordinate necessary on-the-ground response activities to be conducted by DWR staffs, local authorities, commercial wildlife control operators, and private citizens to facilitate and direct appropriate responses to wildlife disease/injury and wildlife conflict situations.
Wildlife disease and human-wildlife conflict management data will be integrated into existing databases and analyzed for significant spatial and temporal trends to aid in future management efforts and direct outreach needs. As needs and capacities dictate, the incumbent may also assist with other Wildlife Division programs and services, such as conducting wildlife surveys, collecting biological samples, capturing wild animals, collecting and maintaining data, preparing reports, and maintaining equipment. During spring, summer, and early fall, this position will primarily work weekends and some/most weekday evenings, but other DWR staffs will be utilized to ensure this position isn't scheduled every evening and weekend during this time frame. From early fall through early spring, scheduled work hours may be shifted to regular business hours as needs and capacities dictate.
Please note this position will work from an assigned location and may require some statewide travel, to include overnight travel. Agency management expectations are for the incumbent to travel most often within 100-mile radius in any direction of the (Verona Virginia area).

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of wildlife management principles and associated ecological concepts; Working knowledge of the habits, characteristics and habitats occupied by a variety of avian and mammalian species that are, or that may become, a threat to agricultural production, airport safety, human health and safety, property or natural resources; Knowledge of common wildlife damage control methods, equipment, and techniques and ability to convey appropriate wildlife damage management options effectively to the public; Knowledge of wildlife diseases common to Virginia and ability to implement protocols associated with surveillance and response to disease outbreaks; Working knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply local, State and Federal, regulations, laws, policies, etc.; Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team or independently; Considerable knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office and statistical analysis software; Ability to interact and engage with diverse agency personnel and publics; Ability to resolve conflict and achieve effective solutions; Exhibit a customer service oriented approach when working with constituents and partners; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including demonstrated ability to relate technical knowledge to technical and non-technical publics and to deal effectively with those groups; Ability to think critically in stressful situations.

Additional Considerations

Minimum Qualifications:
1. Experience working with a diversity of people including state, federal, and non-governmental resource professionals, agricultural producers, industry professionals and other community representatives, and citizens.
2. Considerable knowledge of wildlife ecology and management, with equivalent of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in wildlife conservation and manage